Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

• 

  2008 Escape XLT V-6 - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Wisconsin D - April 3 - 8:30 pm

  I traded my 01 Ford Ranger 4x4 for my Escape, and love my Escape. I use it for commuting, and pleasure - mileage on highway is about 24-25. In town it drops to 18-19. The V-6 is adequate for power. Handling is what sets this vehicle above others I tested. AWD is excellent - no problem with snow, ice, sleet. Inside is comfortable, and good visibility. We take it more than our Lexus for around town.

• 

  Best Bang for the Buck - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Russ - April 3 - 6:16 am

  I have never owned a Ford, a hybrid, or a kiwi green vehicle before. I am very impressed. I love this SUV! We are going to get a $3000 rebate from the government so getting this vehicle was a no brainer. We also looked at a Toyota Highlander and for $10,000 less, the Escape was the best bang for the buck. The interior is roomy, SUV has good handling, and I love the kiwi green color. The hybrid is so quiet that the SUV sounds like the engine is off. I am getting 32 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. It has a very smooth ride and so far, I would recommend this SUV to anyone. Be prepared to wait 8 to 12 weeks if you order one; but it is worth the wait.

• 

  Great But... - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By RoughRider - April 3 - 4:03 am

  We have had the car about a month and a half. For the size of vehicle it gets good mileage. Traded in a Highlander Hybrid. Seems to be a fairly well designed vehicle. The back up camera is far superior to the Toyota and the BLIS system is great. For all the wonderful features about this car, it rides like a tank. Took a trip from Portland to Seattle and back. By the time we got home, my wife and I felt beat to death. Have discussed ride issue with Dealer and FMCO, but apparently that is the way the car is designed. You can tell this is a 4 cyl. engine, but with the electric assist it still moves.

• 

  Hawaii 5.0 - 1990 Ford Mustang
  By TKISDMAN - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I cant believe that Edmunds lists the Mustang at the price it does when it is a great car, plenty of power, and has NEVER broken down on me. The only thing I worry about with the car is driving on snow.....then its a sled. But then again, who else is gonna wanna drive a high performance car on ice?

• 

  Great vehicle ** I even bought a second - 2001 Ford Excursion
  By wattersm - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I have driven Suburban, yukons and expeditions. I drove the Limited Excursion and loved it so much I bought two of them. Now looking and getting two new ones with the deisel engines. Drive one and you will love it, no other compares!

• 

  This is the last Ford I will buy! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Brian Teflen - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this as a relatively new vehicle with only 46,000 miles on it thinking I would be free from repairs. Was I mistaken! We have replaced the transmission and engine, and continue to have transmission problems $6,000 later. We love the size and the comfort, but cannot afford the repairs. We have never been able to relax with this vehicle as it seems there is always a new noise, rattle, or shake.

• 

  Ford forever - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By evelyn - April 2 - 9:46 pm

  I bought my vehicle brand new in 2006. She has (I call her a she) 22 inch tires and very shiny rims, tinted windows, charcoal grey. She gets plenty of compliments and plenty of heads that turn. I have not had any problems with my Ford Five hundred. She is very reliable, large interior, and great on gas. I feel honored to have purchased this vehicle in 2006 since 2007 was the last year they were made and changed to the name Taurus.

• 

  Overall Great Car - 2012 Ford Taurus
  By Mark Herman - April 2 - 1:02 pm

  The car is great but does not hold its value on trade in. Ford does not promote this car so it is a sleeper. It is a little bit like sitting in a cockpit when you drive. A little hard to get out of if you are big or have police equipment on like a police officer. Great ride and very nice looking car.

• 

  Excellent purchase, until... - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Ephus - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Our Windstar ran flawlessly for 5 years, since then the transmission was replaced twice and the engine once. After the engine was replaced it has been impossible to keep the A/C charged and running well. Otherwise, the past 2- 3 years have been relatively problem free. Its my wifes car. Now she says: No more Fords.

• 

  Just say No - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By iounothing - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I should have known Id be in for trouble when I went to the Ford dealership and they were bragging that they had the busiest service dept. in town. Despite needing repairs throughout each year, it always needed several repairs to pass inspection - numerous tie rods, brakes replaced several times, "check engine" light comes and stays on every time it is driven over 50 miles on the highway due to something else giving way. Now when I go to the dealership for yet another repair, the sales staff look desperate for a sale.